Spinal gas accumulation causing lumbar discogenic disease: a case report
Giyas Ayberk1, Mehmet Faik Özveren2, Timur Yıldırım3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. giyas67@hotmail.com.
Acta Orthopaedica Et Traumatologica Turcica
|March 25, 2015
Summary
Vacuum disc phenomenon, gas accumulation in the spinal canal, can cause discogenic pain. Surgical treatment, like hemilaminectomy, offers effective relief for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Degenerative disc disease often presents with vacuum disc phenomenon, characterized by gas within the disc space.
- While typically asymptomatic, gas accumulation within the spinal canal can lead to significant clinical symptoms.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old female experienced persistent low back and left leg pain.
- MRI revealed L5-S1 disc space narrowing with vacuum disc phenomenon and a cystic mass compressing neural structures.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention, including L5-S1 hemilaminectomy and foraminotomy, was performed to address the symptomatic gas accumulation and associated cyst.
- The cyst was adhered to the nerve root and dura mater, requiring partial excision.
Implications:
- Gas accumulation within the spinal canal can manifest as discogenic pain, necessitating targeted treatment.
- Surgical therapy remains a viable and effective option for managing vacuum disc phenomenon causing spinal canal symptoms.
